La risonanza magnetica nucleare nella diagnosi dell'ernia del disco lombare

Background. The aim of the present study is to re-examine the classification of lumbar disk herniation on the basis of the imaging offered by magnetic resonance. Methods. A comparison is made between the intraoperative findings of 30 patients operated for lumbar disk herniation and the corresponding MR imaging. Results. The results show that, for a better preoperative information, it is suggest to use the Mink's classification, with a modification proposed by the authors consisting in the introduction of the term 'transannular herniation', referring to a herniation that protrudes beyond the limits of the annulus fibrosus, but with an intact posterior longitudinal ligament, and in the division into direct, migrated and extruded herniation. Conclusions. Actually, the surgeon very often makes an intraoperative diagnosis different from what was inferred from the MRI; therefore this new classification appears to be necessary for the surgical planning, in order to better establish the relationships that the herniated fragment has with a hydrated or completely degenerated central nucleus.